End of October Decision on Centennial Drive

Tuesday October 20 2009

Nearby residents have expressed concern to the Council about the
behaviour and noise of boy racers who use Centennial Drive at
night.

At a meeting held in September, Councillors and Council staff
heard complaints about car engine noise, loss of traction, unruly
behaviour and damage to The Chalet carpark and the grass verge
alongside the golf club.

The Council sent out an information pamphlet with a survey form
attached to about 700 residents asking them to respond to two
options - close part of Centennial Drive at dusk or install posts
and rail fences on both sides of the road. As a result of the
publicity other residents also contacted the Council to express an
opinion.

To date the Council has received about 140 replies both to the
pamphlets and from people ringing to give their feedback.

While the responses are still being collated, Recreation and
Community Facilities Manager, John Brenkley, says a slight majority
are in favour of closing part of Centennial Drive at night between
The Chalet and the Manawatu Golf Club entrance.

The other alternative is to install post and rail fences on both
sides of the road to prevent cars causing damage by driving into
the reserve area and on land alongside the golf course.

Because of only a modest response from neighbours, the Council
will accept any further opinion expressed this week.

In addition to the pamphlet, the Council will close The Chalet
carpark from dusk and give responsibility to the leasee to let
vehicles in and out of the parking area and also erect No Parking
signs on a 200 metre stretch of Centennial Drive from beyond The
Chalet on the lagoon side.

At present motorists are parking there, mostly all day, making
the road difficult to navigate at that point John says.